All articles by Heidi Vella

“Shocked and appalled”: ending sexual harassment and bullying in Australian mining

A woman is knocked unconscious and awakes semi-naked. Another finds sex dolls and toys placed in her sleeping quarters. A…
The $13tn question: Will Uganda’s newest gold deposit change the face of mining?

In July the Ugandan Government said exploration surveys in the country had revealed vast estimated gold deposits of around 31…
Marine mining: lessons from Namibia

With on-land deposits depleting fast, the seabed, which is thought to be rich in nickel, copper, cobalt and manganese, is…
Can South Africa’s new leader reinvigorate its battered mining sector?

South Africa is home to some of the world’s largest gold, platinum and diamond deposits. Yet production in the country’s…
When funding fuels fire: the ins and outs of responsible mining finance

After international outcry for greater accountability and transparency, in 1999 the World Bank established The Office of the Compliance Advisor…

Mining safety by changing cultures: Actions to overcome worker fatigue

Caterpillar is one of the world’s best-known manufacturers of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas…
MinEx: the hunt for tech to turn around mineral discovery

Australia’s share of global mineral exploration spend has reduced from about 25% in the 1990s to just 12.5% today. This…
Rwandan miners want to scrap traceability fees, but are they justified?

Over 20 years ago, Rwanda suffered a deadly civil war and while the scars of war are still evident and…
Talking mining safety with Hudbay Minerals: ‘Keep your mind on the job’

Hudbay Minerals is a Canadian-based mining company with operations in Canada and Peru and projects in Arizona and Nevada. Ian Cooper…
Giant mining vessels: how high-quality gems are exploited from the sea

Offshore the southwest coast of Namibia, five specially designed ships are mining the seabed in search of marine diamonds washed…